The speculum is a slender plastic or metal instrument that looks like a duckbill.
It’s used by physicians during pelvic exams.
With the bills closed the speculum is inserted into the vagina. Then the handles are squeezed together to open the blades, allowing the doctor to inspect the walls of the vagina and the cervix.
Speculums come in different sizes. If you have a pelvic exam for the first time you can ask the physician to use the smallest one, diminishing the risk of discomfort.